From June 8th to 15th, JUMP had the pleasure of hosting 11 teachers from Poland, Finland, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. Throughout this intense week of exchange and learning, a wide range of topics related to educational innovation and the European dimension of teaching were explored.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 11th, particular attention was given to the theme “Feeling Nature” and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session offered a meaningful opportunity for reflection and discussion on how education can promote a more conscious relationship with the environment and contribute to building a more sustainable society.
In an era of climate urgency and ecological awareness, education must go beyond textbooks. It must touch hearts, engage hands, and awaken a connection with nature. “Green Play” is an innovative educational approach that combines game-based learning, eco-label recognition, and direct contact with nature to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — especially those linked to responsible consumption (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15).
The Power of Play in Sustainability Education
Games are powerful learning tools. They foster curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking, all of which are key for empowering young minds to make sustainable choices. Through interactive experiences, learners can simulate real-world decisions, such as choosing between eco-friendly and non-certified products, and immediately see the environmental consequences of their actions.
By turning sustainability challenges into play, we not only make the learning process engaging, but we also nurture empathy for the planet.
Eco-labels are more than just green stickers — they are tools for informed consumption. In Green Play, children and youth learn to recognize various eco-certifications such as EU Ecolabel, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Energy Star.
Through role-play and games (like eco-label scavenger hunts or sustainability board games), learners:
- Understand what each label stands for
- Learn to identify “greenwashing”
- Become aware of the global impact of local purchases
This awareness directly supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Green Play also emphasizes direct, sensory experiences with nature. Touching soil, identifying plant species, feeling the breeze — these are not just pleasant activities, but essential for developing environmental sensitivity. When children “feel” nature, they are more likely to care for it.
Outdoor eco-games, such as matching eco-labels with natural resources or storytelling under trees, help bridge the gap between abstract environmental concepts and real-world ecosystems. These experiences support SDG 15: Life on Land, encouraging biodiversity awareness.
SDGs in Action: Learning by Doing
“Green Play” doesn’t just talk about the SDGs — it embodies them. Every activity is aligned with specific goals and encourages participants to take concrete action. For example:
- Choosing eco-labeled products in a simulated marketplace
- Tracking personal carbon footprints through a point-based game
- Creating art using natural and recycled materials
The result is a deep understanding of sustainability that is active, not passive.
In a world where environmental issues can feel overwhelming, Green Play offers a hopeful, hands-on approach. It empowers new generations to understand, feel, and act — all while having fun. By combining eco-label education, nature immersion, and the joy of play, we can grow not only eco-conscious individuals but also a more sustainable future.
Author: Enza Procopio, JUMP Trainer
